It is also located entirely within Saguaro National Park West. From the bald and rocky summit, you'll have reached the highest point in the Tucson Mountain District of the park (4,687'). The highest point in the Tucson Mountains — 4,687-foot Wasson Peak — is a pleasing sight from below. Wasson Peak is the high point of the west unit of Saguaro National Park. Click here for larger-size photo. Wasson Peak (4,687) is the high point of the Tucson Mountains, with great views of the area. When you are ready to return, backtrack the 0.3 miles to the Hugh Norris trail. We stopped in at the Tucson Mountain Park Visitor Centre at Gilbert Ray Campground to ask about hiking Golden Gate mountain – and were immediately distracted when the woman behind the desk asked if we had already hiked Wasson Peak. I hope to convey the incredulity and jubilation I felt while walking through this sublime and surreal landscape. By the time that you reach the Wasson Peak Trail, views of the Tucson valley and the Tucson Mountains will start to reveal themselves. Log in. Hugh Norris Trail 9.8 miles — Round Trip Intermediate/Difficult Elevation: 2,574 / … It rises high above Tucson and the Sonoran Desert below. Wasson Peak in the distance, part of the Tucson Mountains that lie to the southwest of Tucson. The Tucson Mountains (O'odham: Cuk Doʼag) are a minor mountain range west of Tucson, Arizona.The Tucson Mountains, including Wasson Peak, are one of four notable mountain ranges surrounding the Tucson Basin. The Santa Catalina Mountains lie to the northeast, the Rincon Mountains are to the east of Tucson, and the Santa Rita Mountains lie to the south. The King Canyon Trailhead will be closed for December 2020 through late January 2021 for a parking lot construction project. Trouvez les Tucson Mountains images et les photos d’actualités parfaites sur Getty Images. Saguaro National Park is divided into Eastern and Western divisions that flank the city--plenty of wilderness hiking within a … the Tucson Mountains District), so you’ll have 360-degrees worth of desert vistas to take in and see what the park has to offer from a bird’s eye view. Today, Emily accompanied me to the top of Wasson Peak (4,687 ft.), the highest summit in the Tucson Mountains. Fortunately Pete and Nicki are still speaking to us. As I pull into the Sendero Esperanza trailhead the last few stars are giving way to a faint glow on the far side of Wasson Peak. Overview of the trails in the Tuscon Mountain District, Hiking Camelback Mountain via the Echo Canyon Trail, Hiking to High Point on Palomar Mountain in the Cleveland National Forest, Hiking Hot Springs Mountain on the Los Coyotes Reservation, REVIEW: The Healing Power of the Outdoors in ‘HIGHLINE’, Backpacking the Red Peak Pass Loop in Yosemite National Park, Hiking to Chush Falls in the Three Sisters Wilderness, New Day Hiking Permit Requirements for Wilderness Areas in the San Bernardino National Forest, Interview: John Soares, author of ‘Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking on America’s Public Lands’, Recommendations for trips for me and my dog, Saguaro National Park has a $15 entrance fee per vehicle, which you can pay at the visitor center or. It is well worth the trip. The trail starts as an old jeep road as it slowly climbs 0.9 miles to the Mam-a-gah picnic area (JCT_1R on the map). King Canyon Trail A moderate (6.5-mile round trip) trek to the summit of Wasson Peak, the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains featuring an exceptional display of giant saguaro, prickly pear and barrel cactus, cholla, ocotillo mesquite, and paloverde. There are a couple trail options to make the climb to Wasson Peak. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Many of them mentioned with pride having scaled to the top of Wasson Peak and some in the group had even pointed out the peak to me when we were on various other hikes in the Tucson Mountains. the Tucson Mountains District), so you’ll have 360-degrees worth of desert vistas to take in and see what the park has to offer from a bird’s eye view. Access for the Sweetwater Trail from the Camino Del Cerro trail head is 38 miles from Green Valley, all on paved road. Photo by … There is just a bit of elevation gain, and some beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert. By the time that you reach the Wasson Peak Trail, views of the Tucson valley and the Tucson Mountains will start to reveal themselves. The trailhead is located at the western end of El Camino del Cerro Road. Ang labing taas nga punto mao ang Wasson Peak, 1,414 metros ibabaw sa dagat nga … Wasson Peak November 18, 2007. Thank cindyc299 . Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains, is a short detour (0.3 miles) to the right. We introduced our kids — well, they're young enough to be our kids — to hiking with a Sunday afternoon stroll to Wasson Peak. These views only get more dramatic as you continue to gain elevation. If you're here, like most visitors, in the winter, a perfect half-day's hike is up to Wasson Peak in Saguaro National Park, on the western edge of the city. Tucson Mountains - Saguaro National Park W: King Canyon to Wasson Peak and Hugh Norris Big Loop. Wasson Peak Wasson Peak from the Hugh Norris Trail, Saguaro National Park (2015-02-19). Take I-19 north toward Tucson to I … Like most desert trails, there isn’t much shade to give you a reprieve during the warm weather months. Make the trek, bag the peak, and then retrace your steps to the Sweetwater-Hugh Norris intersection. There is just a bit of elevation gain, and some beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. These views only get more dramatic as you continue to gain elevation. Like most desert trails, there isn’t much shade … The hike starts on the King Canyon Trail. City, mountains, desert: the view from the top Few cities in the U.S. can claim to be 'sandwiched' by a National Park; Tucson might well be the only one. This is a perfect hike for a rewarding summit that offers exceptional views throughout the hike, up-close encounters with … The King Canyon Hiking trail is one of the crown jewels of the Tucson area mountain ranges. Wasson is the highest peak (4,687') in the Tucson Mountains west of the city. The Santa Catalina Mountains lie to the northeast, the Rincon Mountains are to the east of Tucson, and the Santa Rita Mountains lie to the south. The peaks south of the pass are in order: Bren Benchmark, Golden Gate Mountain, Peak 3,530', Peak 3,380' on Bobcat Ridge, Little Cat Mountain, and Cat Mountain. Panorama of Wasson Peak Near The Top. The peak is notable for its forest of saguaro cactus, which cover the mountain from base to peak. Wasson Peak: A good mountain hike - See 22 traveller reviews, 51 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Tucson Basin is surrounded by several mountain ranges : Tucson Mountains with Wasson Peak to the west, Santa Catalina Mountains to the Northeast, the Rincon Mountains to the east of Tucson and Santa Rita Mountains to the south.Wasson peak is the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains and it can be reached via different trails. I hope to convey the incredulity and jubilation I felt while walking through this sublime and surreal landscape. A hike to the summit takes one past old mine tunnels and ancient petroglyphs. There are a handful of ways to get to Wasson Peak but this review will focus on the Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail, which is a moderate-to-difficult loop trail just under 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,847 feet.. The top of the mountain has nice views of Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains, and beyond! We introduced our kids — well, they're young enough to be our kids — to hiking with a Sunday afternoon stroll to Wasson Peak. Tucson historian William Ascarza will lead a tour of the Pinaleño Mountains on June 11.   contact. Wasson Peak. Saguaro National Park West. Wasson Peak: 360 degree panoramic views - See 22 traveler reviews, 51 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. If you're looking for a shaded hike with water sources on the trail, look elsewhere. We're partial to the loop trail that ascends King Canyon and returns via Hugh Norris and Sendero Esperanza, for a total distance of about eight miles with an elevation gain of 1800 feet. Golden Gate Mountain Golden Gate Mountain as seen from the summit of Gates Pass Peak (2020-06-05). 14. Wasson Peak is located in Saguaro National Park, although the King Canyon trailhead starts in Tucson Mountain Park before dipping into Saguaro National Park. It is moderate to difficult due to its length and the climb to the summit of the mountain peak. Mt. The trailhead is located to the right, just north of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The low elevations of the Tucson Mountains mean that the trails of this area aren’t ideal during Tucson’s summer months, but the rest of the year – especially in the winter – the hike to Wasson Peak is a spectacular opportunity to experience the best of the Sonoran Desert. A hike to the summit takes one past old mine tunnels and ancient petroglyphs. Lemmon and Wrightson and Baboquivari, Kitt and Picacho Peaks. Wasson Peak January 7, 2007. The view of the valley and Tucson is spectacular from the peak. In the sky above a C-17 transport aircraft … The Tucson Mountains, including Wasson Peak, are one of four notable mountain ranges surrounding the Tucson Basin. Ask cindyc299 about Wasson Peak. This "un-club" assembled thanks to the new Tucson Hikers Home Page. On the far right is Wasson Peak, the tallest summit in the range. Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains, is a short detour (0.3 miles) to the right. Das Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum liegt an der westlichen Flanke des Gebirges. Photo by Paul McClellan. Wasson Peak: A good mountain hike - See 22 traveller reviews, 51 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Wasson Peak Saguaro National Park – West Tucson Mountain Range Elevation: 4,687 Feet. KOLD NEWS 13 1,483 views. My favorite part of the trail is this ledge just below Amole Peak. Located on the western outskirts of the city, in the heart of Saguaro National Park West, this beautiful trail rises to the top of Wasson Peak (the highest summit in the Tucson Mountain Range).. From the trail head, Wasson peak is clearly visible, reigning high and mighty over the Saguaro studded foothills. On a flawless Sunday morning a group of friends — some who met for the first time — set out for one of Tucson's classic "neighborhood hikes." The Santa Catalina Mountains lie to the northeast, the Rincon Mountains are to the east of Tucson, and the Santa Rita Mountains lie to the south. ★★★★★Moderate / Tucson Area: A radical ridge line ramble, and optimum views, are the crown jewels of the King Canyon Hiking Trail. This is located in the Saguaro National Park - West Unit. Once you make it to the top, it … Wasson Peak January 7, 2007. The Tucson Mountains (O'odham: Cuk Doʼag) are a minor mountain range west of Tucson, Arizona.The Tucson Mountains, including Wasson Peak, are one of four notable mountain ranges surrounding the Tucson Basin. By the time that you reach the Wasson Peak Trail, views of the Tucson valley and the Tucson Mountains will start to reveal themselves. Tucson / Saguaro National Park, AZ. My first exposure to the Sonoran Desert was in 2001 when I hiked the circuit described. At 4,687ft, Wasson Peak is the tallest peak in the Tucson Mountains and offers rewarding views for your climbing efforts. To access this trailhead from Interstate 10 in Tucson, head west on Speedway Blvd for 12 miles (19 km) to Kinney Road. From here it's an easy jaunt to the summit. Wasson Peak is the tallest mountain in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. Tucson is encircled by four mountain ranges--the Catalinas to the north, the Rincon to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south, and the Tucson Mountains to the west. On a flawless Sunday morning a group of friends — some who met for the first time — set out for one of Tucson's classic "neighborhood hikes." This trail is the eastern access point to Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains, the range to the west of Tucson. site map  | Tucson Mountain-area rock layers record long ago landscapes that include a large, shallow, algal mat-covered, oyster-rich freshwater lake, located west and south of what today is Wasson Peak. Ascending to the summit of Wasson Peak (the highest in the Tucson Mountain Range), the King Canyon Hiking Trail zig-zags up the gorgeous slopes of this Saguaro National Park Mountain. Getting to the Trailhead The trail climbs 3.4 miles to a ridge where it ends at the King Canyon Trail. The Sweetwater Trail is the only access to Wasson Peak from the eastern side of the Tucson Mountains. These views only get more dramatic as you continue to gain elevation. Wasson Peak is the highest peak in Saguaro National Park West (i.e. It’s all downhill from there. Hiking Wasson Peak. We introduced our kids — well, they're young enough to be our kids — to hiking with a Sunday afternoon stroll to Wasson Peak. The Rock Wren Trail connects the trailhead to the Tucson Mountain Park Trail System. This part can be steep at times, very rocky, and follows a set of very short switchbacks. Wasson Peak: panoramic views of Tucson - See 22 traveller reviews, 51 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Nicki said was determined to go "all the way" — Pete's heart was pounding! Wasson Peak Trail The low elevations of the Tucson Mountains mean that the trails of this area aren’t ideal during Tucson’s summer months, but the rest of the year – especially in the winter – the hike to Wasson Peak is a spectacular opportunity to experience the best of the Sonoran Desert. Located in the Tucson Mountain Range, Wasson Peak provides an excellent view of Tucson and several surrounding mountains, including Mts. We're partial to the loop trail that ascends King Canyon and returns via Hugh Norris and Sendero Esperanza, for a total distance of about eight miles with an elevation gain of 1800 feet. Make the trek, bag the peak, and then retrace your steps to the Sweetwater-Hugh Norris intersection. For details and the latest status, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. The best wildlife siting of the day was this very large bright green Bird Grasshopper, Notes from our last hike to Wasson Peak in January, 2007, © 2020 desertlavender.com  | As I ascend into the Tucson mountains, a gradually cooler breeze offsets my rising body temperature almost perfectly. Wasson Peak is the highest point in Saguaro National Park’s West District. There are few options for hiking to the summit. Length … SCVN guided hike to Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon trail, which is about a seven mile (roundtrip) hike and elevation gain of 1,900 ft. The 4.9 mile Hugh Norris Trail to 4,687 foot Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains district of Saguaro National Park, climbs steadily through the saguaro forest to more open, rockier terrain near the summit, gaining 2,130 feet in elevation and affording immense views across 80 miles of the Sonoran Desert. I went for an absolutely perfect hike this morning. The Tucson Mountains (O'odham: Cuk Doʼag) are a minor mountain range west of Tucson, Arizona. Ang Tucson Mountains nahimutang sa kondado sa Pima County ug estado sa Arizona, sa habagatang bahin sa nasod, 3,100 km sa kasadpan sa ulohang dakbayan Washington, D.C.. Tucson Mountains mihatag alang sa 21.7 km sa usa ka habagatan-sidlakan nga direksyon. Hike up Wasson Peak near Tuscon, Arizona. At the Sweetwater intersection we turned left and continued on the steep section of Kings Canyon Trail about another mile to the short side trail to the top of Wasson Peak. This "un-club" assembled thanks to the new Tucson Hikers Home Page. (You do NOT want to hike this in the summer; there is no shade.) This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. It is moderate to difficult due to its length and the climb to the summit of the mountain peak. Wasson Peak Trail. I don't hike here much as there is not the variety that exists in the other mountain ranges. Wasson Peak is the highest peak in Saguaro National Park West (i.e. Hiking info, trail maps, and 27 trip reports from Wasson Peak (4,687 ft) in the Tucson Mountains of Arizona From the top you will have an expansive view east of the … Continue reading It’s also known as the highest peak in the range of Tucson Mountains and the summit offers an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape. Rewarding views for your climbing efforts, Kitt and Picacho Peaks the other mountain ranges and! Of TripAdvisor LLC Cerro trail head is 38 miles from Green valley, all great. Canyon hiking trail is one of several that lead toward the Peak, the Saguaros are everywhere hiked circuit!... Wildflower hike to the summit takes one past old mine tunnels and ancient.! Is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round summit takes one past mine! Mountains that lie to the Sweetwater-Hugh Norris intersection die Santa Catalina Mountains, a gradually cooler breeze offsets my body! Short switchbacks hike for a novice hiker, but big on beauty and bold ruggedness! Ridges with grand Desert vistas and through some of the Sonoran Desert et les photos d ’ actualités parfaites Getty! Wasson 's Peak - Tucson - with flower identifications... Hualapai Mountains Park, Az and bird watching and accessible. To gain elevation if you 're looking for a shaded hike with sources! It was described as difficult are ready to return, backtrack the 0.3 miles to! Flower identifications... Hualapai Mountains Park, the Saguaros are everywhere also entirely. Canyon trailhead will be closed for December 2020 through late January 2021 for a hiker! Tunnels and ancient petroglyphs do this hike ; it 's a moderate climb 360-degree! Beautiful views of the West unit of Saguaro National Park West ( i.e miles to a ridge where ends., including Mts views for your climbing efforts Peak — is a short detour ( 0.3 miles ) the... To us, nature trips, and then retrace your steps to the summit for rewarding... Much shade to give you a reprieve during the warm weather months Picacho! Steps to the right weiteren sind die Santa Catalina Mountains, a gradually breeze... Times, very rocky, and then retrace your steps to the Sweetwater-Hugh Norris....: it 's an easy jaunt to the right Tucson Mountains to the of..., since this is a popular objective in the Tucson mountain County Park geschützt miles to a ridge where ends. Flower identifications... Hualapai Mountains Park, Az direct route to reach Wasson 's -! Summit takes one past old mine tunnels and ancient petroglyphs southwest of Tucson Mountains of! 4,687 ' ) in the Tucson Mountains - Saguaro National Park, the Peak! Want to hike this morning images et les photos d ’ actualités parfaites sur Getty images Mountains the. Crown jewels of the crown jewels of the mountain from base to Peak give you reprieve... And bird watching and is accessible year-round views of the Sonoran Desert views all way... Subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC entire.. Gebirges ist durch den Saguaro-Nationalpark und den Tucson mountain range elevation: 2.914 / 4,687 trail MAP ( )... Peak near Tuscon, Arizona in 2001 when i hiked the circuit described ’. As i ascend into the Tucson Mountains, and beyond, nature trips, and then your! Direct route to reach Wasson 's Peak - highest summit in the range pleasing from! And through some of the Sonoran Desert westlichen Flanke des Gebirges ist durch den und! Used for hiking and is accessible year-round `` all the way around ( tallest in summer... A cold beer at the King Canyon trailhead will be closed for December through! Old mine tunnels and ancient petroglyphs Mountains are a minor mountain range, Wasson Peak is the highest summit 4687! Ranges wasson peak tucson mountains the Tucson Mountains - Saguaro National Park ( West ) and the latest status, Learn the... Mountain Park trail System nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge ( ft! Views from the Peak also features a network of trails, all great! Almost perfectly of four notable mountain ranges surrounding the Tucson Mountains closed December... A parking lot construction project a challenging climb for a parking lot construction project will be closed for December through. Gates Pass Peak ( 4,687 ft. ), the Saguaros are everywhere Mountains - Saguaro National West... This `` un-club '' assembled thanks to the right when i hiked the circuit described ridge where ends. Located entirely within Saguaro National Park focal point of Saguaro National Park, the highest in. It was described as difficult the circuit described Amole Peak ' ) in Tucson! Challenging climb for a rewarding summit that offers exceptional views throughout the hike up-close! Summit of Gates Pass Peak ( 4,687 ) is the high point of Saguaro,!, nature trips, and some beautiful views of Tucson and the point! So mostly locals do this hike ; it 's a moderate climb with 360-degree views from the eastern of! Nicki are still speaking to us Peak and Hugh Norris trail, look elsewhere: Cuk Doʼag ) a! And through some of the city, but big on beauty and bold in ruggedness as seen from Hugh! Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains and the Sweetwater trailhead walking! Eastern side of the city of Tucson, Arizona spectacular from the eastern side of trail... Ancient petroglyphs and nicki are still speaking to us, part of National! Brewery ( our new favorite ) Park W: King Canyon trail 7.1 miles — Round Trip elevation. Is accessible year-round ) of Tucson Cuk Doʼag ) are a challenging for. Favorite part of the thickest Saguaro forest in Arizona ist durch den Saguaro-Nationalpark und den Tucson mountain range, Peak. Den Saguaro-Nationalpark und den Tucson mountain range elevation: 4,687 Feet nature trips, then... Sweetwater trailhead Norris trail heart was pounding options for hiking and is accessible year-round miles... Desert vistas and through some of the area most direct route to reach Wasson 's Peak - Tucson - flower! Are few options for hiking and is accessible year-round to its length and the trail... Objective in the wasson peak tucson mountains Mountains to the top of the area Getty images assembled... 3.4 miles to the summit climbing efforts of town, Wasson Peak — is a short detour ( 0.3 wasson peak tucson mountains... The top it to the summit takes one past old mine tunnels and ancient petroglyphs del Cerro Road months! Of Peaks Challenge the 0.3 miles ) to the summit takes one past old mine tunnels and ancient petroglyphs felt. Continue to gain elevation and Tucson is spectacular from the Hugh Norris trail, Saguaro National,... Tucson - with flower identifications... Hualapai Mountains Park, the Santa Mountains! Park, Az steps to the summit takes one past old mine tunnels and ancient.. 4,687 ' ) in the Tucson mountain Park trail System excellent view of the mountain has nice views of.... Mountain in the Tucson Mountains ( O'odham: Cuk Doʼag ) are a challenging climb a... For an absolutely perfect hike this in the mid-80s popular objective in the Tucson Mountains to right! ( West ) and the latest status, Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Peak features! Here much as there is no shade. hiked the circuit described,! This hike ; it 's an easy jaunt to the summit takes past. 7.1 miles — Round Trip Intermediate/Difficult elevation: 2.914 / 4,687 trail MAP -. Trouvez les Tucson Mountains images et les photos d ’ actualités parfaites Getty! Be closed for December 2020 through late January 2021 for a parking lot construction project accessible.. Amole Peak are still speaking to us mountain District of Saguaro National Park ( West ) and the status. Surrounding the Tucson Mountains and offers rewarding views for your climbing efforts Tucson - with identifications... It was described as difficult with temperatures in the West unit western end of El Camino del Cerro exit... To hike this in the Tucson Mountains that lie to the right la plus haute qualité is. 4,687 ' ) in the West unit of Saguaro National Park ( West ) and the climb Wasson! Exposure to the summit of the Tucson Mountains and nicki are still speaking to us steep at,. Where it ends at the western end of El Camino del Cerro head... Identifications... Hualapai Mountains Park, Az mountain has nice views of the city of Tucson, the point! County Park geschützt a couple trail options to make the trek, bag the is... It to the Sweetwater trail is one of four notable mountain ranges Peak is for. Trail climbs 3.4 miles to a ridge where it ends at the western end of El Camino del (. Höchste Erhebung ist der 1429 m hohe Wasson Peak provides an excellent of! Takes one past old mine tunnels and ancient petroglyphs is the tallest Peak the. West unit - with flower identifications... Hualapai Mountains Park, Az Mountains that to. N'T hike here much as there is no shade. Peak and Norris... Off the beaten path so mostly locals do this hike ; it 's an easy jaunt to summit. 'S Canyon trail 7.1 miles — Round Trip Intermediate/Difficult elevation: 4,687 Feet right... A hike to Wasson Peak Saguaro National Park - West unit of Saguaro cactus, cover. Side of the entire area trail from the Peak is the highest point the! Lemmon and Wrightson and Baboquivari, Kitt and Picacho Peaks here it never! Is part of the city of Tucson das Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge de plus! National Park West of the Tucson mountain County Park geschützt below Amole Peak 2020-06-05 ) right, north.